Buxton set for an alternative Non-League Day at FC United

Buxton chairman Dave Hopkins is calling on the club’s supporters to embrace Non-League Day this coming weekend.

Following the record-breaking event last year, Non-League Day will return for a sixth consecutive season on Saturday, October 10.

With Roy Hodgson’s England playing on Saturday during the September international break, the October date provides a perfect opportunity for non-league clubs to think of new and exciting ways to attract fans through their gates.

Despite the Bucks not being in action on the Saturday, Hopkins says the movement of their FA Cup qualifier away to FC United of Manchester 24 hours later provides the perfect opportunity to promote the beautfiul game at grassroots level.

He told the Advertiser: “As a club we fully embrace Non-League Day but unfortunately it’s out of our hands that we’ve had to move the game to Sunday.

“We could have had the game on the Friday night but we just thought that it was easier for both players and supporters to alter it to a Sunday afternon.

“However, that doesn’t take anything away from Non-League Day.

“In terms of our game, because we are playing on the Sunday I actually think we may get a bigger crowd on the day.

“I hope we get some good support to take us there because it’s not only the FA Cup but it’s also our first-ever visit to FC United’s new ground.

“What a great tie it is for our supporters.

“Obviously when the draw was made there was a mixed reaction.

“Some would have liked a so-called smaller team so that we would have maybe had a better chance of progressing.

“But we have a great relationship with FC so it promises to be a great occasion.”